Stock markets to reopen from May 31

The stock market is going to reopen from May 31, in line with government decision to end the stretched general holiday.

Bangladesh Securities and Exchange Commission (BSEC) on Thursday, in its first commission meeting since the new top officials took charge recently, has decided to let the stock exchanges resume activities in line with government decision about general holiday.

"Each have to comply with the government instructions intended to curve the spread of Covid-19 pandemic," said Professor Shibli Rubayat-Ul-Islam, the chairman of the securities regulator.

Kazi Sanaul Hoq, the managing director (MD) of the Dhaka Stock Exchange (DSE) said: "We are fully prepared to reopen the market and will start on May 31."

DSE offices and also the brokerage offices will follow health safety measures at work, he added.

Chittagong Stock Exchange (CSE) also has instructed all its officials to get ready for trade reopening on May 31.

"We are building awareness within teams to cope up with the new work environment-- from the top officials to the support staff," said Mamun-Ur-Rahsid, the managing director of CSE.

The same curtailed trading hour will remain there until further notice, said the DSE MD.

On the wake of Covid-19 outbreak, the stock exchanges had reduced their trading session by one hour in early March- from 10.30 am to 1.30pm instead of the regular session beginning at 10.30 am and end at 2.30 pm.

The two stock exchanges had their last trading session on March 25.